Can I mow oats?

[wisconsinteacher]

This year when I planted my plot, I put on way too many oats and now they are 20-24" tall. In the mix I also put medium red clover and forage peas. I'm wondering if I should mow the plot to 5-6" and hope that the oats keep producing tender shoots? Luckily, the other 1/2 of the plot is brassicas and they are doing well, so I have food for the deer to eat.

 

[Telemark]

I have also wondered about this.

 

[Bill]

I’ve never tried it but a plants only goal in life is to produce a seed. One of two things will happen. The oats will bounce back and continue to grow as normal or they will fear early death and throw a seed head ASAP like smart weed does.

 

[jsasker007]

If they have gone to seed they will be toast if you mow them.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I had a similar situation last year where my oats got tall and thick. I still broadcasted a bunch of rye in there so when the oats matured/frost killed there was tender rye shoots still.

This is from late oct, most oats went to seed but there was still clover, brassica, peas, and young rye underneath it all for the deer.

 

[SD51555]

There's a point where they won't rebound, and it's once the flag leaf comes out. It's not easy to see, but there is a distinct center collar to the stalk. Once that's emerged, it will probably stay green, but may not grow anymore after that. That's what the book says, I haven't mowed oats at flag leaf to give you any real life feedback.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Thanks, maybe I should add 25# of winter rye this weekend and hope it grows a bit over the next few weeks? It is 1/2 acre in size.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Thanks, maybe I should add 25# of winter rye this weekend and hope it grows a bit over the next few weeks? It is 1/2 acre in size.

Yeah, i'd probably throw a whole 50# bag on a half acre.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Yeah, i'd probably throw a whole 50# bag on a half acre.

Partially because this… damn birds can gobble em up.

 

[SD51555]

I put oats on one of my gardens last weekend. Birds got every single one.


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[bigboreblr]

I have used oats to repair lawns several times. I am aiming for natural forbs and weeds to grow. It'll keep going all year if you keep it short. 20-24" is starting to be very iffy. Some oat varieties put out all their seed at only 2ft tall. See alot of it here in NY. Local farmer does extensive wheat and oat business.

I probably would pass on cutting if it was here in NY. Too much pass labor day, and no rain in sight. Plant wants to go into seed mode.

Oats are my favorite seed. Pretty close to being throw n mow depending on weather. Also, Deer will eat oats at any stage of growth vs rye and wheat. Added bonus seeing turkeys in it too.